At the recently held India-Angola Business Forum, organised by CII in honour of the visit of H.E. Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, in New Delhi, business leaders and government officials gathered to strengthen bilateral trade and explore investment opportunities between the two nations.
Representing Noble Group SA, a key private sector player in Angola’s economic landscape, Sudeep Mohanty, General Manager – Marketing, Branding & Corporate, Noble Group SA, Angola, highlighted Angola’s potential, the journey of Noble Group, and the opportunities for Indian investors in the southern African nation.
Angola, a nation of over 37 million people, offers a significant demographic dividend. “The average age is just 16 years,” Mohanty pointed out, emphasising the untapped potential of a young, energetic population. With over 22 million internet users and 8 million active social media users, the country is rapidly embracing the digital age, creating opportunities across sectors like technology, retail, and services.
He noted, “Angola’s climate and cultural disposition are remarkably aligned with India’s, easing the path for Indian investors to adapt and scale.”
Noble Group SA’s journey in Angola is proof of perseverance and long-term vision. “When we began 22 years ago, infrastructure was limited, the business environment was challenging, and uncertainty loomed large. But with resilience, patience, and commitment, we not only endured—we thrived.”
Today, the company directly employs over 7,000 people and supports more than 15,000 indirectly. Operating across a diverse portfolio, Noble Group has established itself in:Biscuits and confectionery, Cosmetics and detergents, Beverages—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, Packaging and paper recycling, High-tech toothpaste manufacturing—under the brand Speciale, the only one of its kind in Angola and the dairy sector.
What sets Noble Group apart is its community-centric approach. “Over 20,000 community members have benefited from our social outreach and sustainability efforts,” he said.
“Angola’s business landscape is vastly improved,” Mohanty asserted. “Infrastructure has developed significantly, ports are active and efficient, and the economy is not only stable but steadily growing.”
He drew attention to Angola’s supportive government policies, a growing start-up ecosystem, and the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that mirrors India’s own development journey.
Noble Group has adopted a holistic industrial strategy, combining captive manufacturing with forward integration. The company now boasts over 20 large-format supermarkets, around 40 lifestyle retail outlets and a robust wholesale network under the brand Naça Casa Angola.
“This name may not yet be familiar in India, but in Angola, it signifies credibility and consistency,” he added.
Mohanty’s message to Indian business leaders was both optimistic and action-oriented: “To our Indian friends and potential investors—this is your opportunity to be part of a growing economy, to collaborate, co-create, and bring mutual prosperity. Angola is not just a destination, but a partner in progress.”
He concluded with a vision of shared value creation: “Let us move forward together—to create value for Angola, and with Angola.”
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